Residents hold rally today to press for end to contract

The same group of residents that has been applying pressure on Mandaue City and a company that sells Multicabs to end a lease contract on a property signed by both groups would hold a rally this morning in front of city hall.

The Quisumbing family is currently leasing the lot in question and the city has alleged that the family's company Norkis Trading has not been faithful to the memorandum of agreement signed by the two parties. Now the city is eyeing the property for the construction of a building for the city-run Mandaue City College.

The lot is situated in front of Mandaue City Comprehensive National High School in barangay Looc, Mandaue City.

"Unahon namo ang mga city officials kay di man 'ta paminawon didto (referring to Norkis Trading) kon walay aksiyon ang mga opisyal (We are concentrating on city officials for now because we believe the other side won't listen to us if the city won't take the first step)," Eglyrina Caballero, the leader of the group, told The Freeman.

Meanwhile, city administrator Serafin Blanco has granted the permit to conduct the rally from 7:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon today provided the organizers has prepared a contingency plan for any untoward incident.

"The city shall not be held liable for any injury, death, damages or any harm that may happen during the activity," the permit stated.

A signature campaign will also form part of the activity today to get the sentiments of more city residents.

The group has already sent a petition to Mayor Thadeo Ouano and Provincial Board Member Gabriel Luis "Luiji" Quisumbing. The petition addressed to Quisumbing sought his "interminable assistance and valuable support to relinquish or cancel the contract of lease of a lot with an area of 11,432 square meters located in Looc, Madaue City for the purpose of the establishment of the Mandaue City College building."

Ouano, on behalf of the city, and Norberto Quisumbing Jr., who represented Norkis Trading, signed the contract of lease in January 18, 1993. Luiji is the grandson of Norberto.

The residents in the petition alleged that Norkis Trading has violated the contracts and the memorandum of agreement.

Under the MOA, the Norkis Trading Company, Inc. has to develop the 11,432 square meters lot into a mini park, playground and other socially-oriented projects but the lot now accommodates a multi-cab display center.

The city granted Norkis Trading the exclusive right to develop, as its own expense or in joint venture with others, the remaining area of 11,432 square meters.

It was stated that upon completion of the project, the city shall formally enter into a management contract with Norkis Trading Company Inc. whereby the parties shall determine whether admission to the park/playground and recreational shall be offered for free to the public or subject to admission fee and charges. - Gregg M. Rubio